Queensland to legalise Uber in September, says premier

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Facebook that Uber will be legal in the state from September prompting the taxi industry to contemplate taking the government to court.

“We want to put a premium on passenger safety, and ensure all operators follow a new, fair set of rules, with the best interests of consumers at heart,” Palaszczuk wrote on Facebook.

She also said that unlike some other states, including New South Wales, no new tax will be imposed on passengers.

“We had to find the balance between Queenslanders who make millions of ride bookings each year and their right to better affordability, choice of service and consistency in safety, and transitioning the taxi industry into the digital era,” she wrote.

Palaszczuk also announced a $100-million package to support the taxi industry. $4 million in taxi fees will be waived over the next year as part of the package, she revealed.

Despite the substantial package, taxi operators and owners are still up in arms.

A report from 7News said that Taxi Council Queensland called the ride-sharing review of the government a “farce”.

According to the report, Gold Coast Cabs may also take legal action since the support program announced, which compensates taxi license holders up to two licenses for $20,000 each, does not apply to company-owned licenses.

Brisbane Times, on the other hand, asked the premier where the $100 million will be coming from. She did not answer directly but insisted that: “Treasury assures me that the $100 million is there, it is structured over the next two years.”